Antigua and Barbuda celebrates 52 Years of CARICOM/Cuba Diplomatic Ties

CARICOM-Cuba Day is annually observed on the 8th of December, and marks the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including Antigua and Barbuda, and the Republic of Cuba.

This year, the commemoration of fifty-two (52) years of diplomatic relations between CARICOM Member States and Cuba, allows reflection on the ironclad friendship, the challenges faced, and the remarkable achievements attained over the years.

On December 8th, 1972, the four newly-independent CARICOM Member States, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, made a historic decision, which would shape the future, and have far-reaching benefits for the peoples of the region.

Despite the strained atmosphere of the Cold War, marked by deep divisions, Caribbean leaders Michael Manley, Forbes Burnham, Eric Williams, and Errol Barrow had the courage and vision to extend a hand of friendship to Cuba, and establish diplomatic relations.

At the time, Cuba was diplomatically isolated from much of the international community. This gesture of solidarity would serve as the foundation stone upon which unbreakable bonds would be built.

Today tribute is also paid to the late former Prime Minister Sir Lester Bryant Bird KNH, who played a pivotal role in establishing the annual observance of CARICOM-Cuba Day.

At the first-ever CARICOM Summit held in Havana in 2002, Sir Lester proposed the idea of “CARICOM-Cuba Day.” CARICOM Heads of Government agreed to Sir Lester’s proposal, and adopted the Havana Declaration, which included the commitment to designate December 8th as CARICOM-Cuba Day. Ever since, the observance of this day has taken place not only in Antigua and Barbuda, but throughout the region.

Over the years, the collaboration between CARICOM Member States and Cuba has played a key role in advancing development in the region.

In 2024, Cuba offered twenty-three (23) scholarships to Antigua and Barbudan students in the area of public health.

To date, nearly three hundred (300) students from Antigua and Barbuda have graduated in critical areas, such as medicine, engineering, education, and sports, among others.

In addition, Cuba continues to provide support in specific areas, with seventy-eight (78) medical specialists – including doctors, nurses and technicians – currently working within Antigua and Barbuda’s public health system.

This year, Cuba proposed the expansion of cooperation in the health sector, including the sending of a multidisciplinary team to provide care and treatment for diabetes, psychiatric conditions, and cancer.

Moreover, seven (7) workers have been deployed in the construction sector, while six (6) have been assigned to the energy sector, contributing their expertise to infrastructure projects and the development of key areas.

As the relations continue to grow, new areas of collaboration will include tackling climate change, managing and preventing beach erosion, providing technical support in the hydraulic sector, and advancing physical education and sports.

“On CARICOM-Cuba Day, let us appreciate the enduring legacy of solidarity between Caribbean peoples, and fifty-two (52) years of cooperation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba for their unwavering support. Happy CARICOM-Cuba Day,” stated Prime Minister Gaston Browne.